Olson arrives in Pakistan ahead of a visit by US senators

ISLAMABAD: Richard Olson, the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, has arrived in Pakistan ahead of a visit by US officials led by Senator John McCain.

McCain, who is the Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee in the US Senate, and a former Republican presidential nominee in 2008 US general elections, will be arriving later today.

The visit of Olson who is a seasoned diplomat and also a former Ambassador to Pakistan, comes at a critical juncture and can help thaw the frosty relations between the two countries which have been stalled over several issues including the provision of F-16s fighter jets. Olson is expected to discuss the issue with Pakistani officials during his visit along with the peace and security situation in the country and the region.

Among his tentative itinerary includes meeting with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and with the Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.

The delegation led by US Senator John McCain will meet the civil and military leadership in the country, as well the members of human rights and civil society organisations and heads of political parties.

The visit is seen as highly crucial by independent analysts as it will provide a conducive environment to improve the bilateral relations between the two countries.